Research Scientist - Protein Fractionation and Membrane Science - Videbaek

Do you want to work with advanced membrane research and development that will catalyse the discovery of ground-breaking processes leading to new dairy-based ingredients in an international team? If so, then this could be what you are looking for.

Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI) is an independent company within the Arla Foods Group with an ambition to become the true global leader in value-added whey. The position is situated in the Functionality and Technology team within the DISCOVER R&D department at AFI Innovation Center in Videbæk close to Herning.

We base our success on a strong knowledge of food protein chemistry and physics, membrane based separation, enabling technologies, and an understanding of molecular functionality of dairy-based ingredients. As a consequence of an increase in our activities, we need new capabilities that can strengthen our innovative research and development projects.

About the job

As a research scientist in the Technology and Functionality team, a part of AFI DISCOVER, you initiative and drive research projects dealing with separation technologies and protein fractionation, both internally and in collaboration with academic partners. Ultimately you will contribute to product and process development that will lead to new dairy-based ingredients and processes and always with a keen focus on every increasing sustainability. This means that you:

• In collaboration with your scientific colleagues, you conduct research both internally and in collaboration with external partners
• Design, execute and document experimental work and secure translation to pilot scale
• Continually focus on progressively more gentle and sustainable unit operations
• Be a partner in product development and supply chain technology projects
• Lead on troubleshooting exercises when appropriate
• Proactively create and maintain networks with product/business areas, suppliers, universities and other contacts both internationally and nationally, both within and outside of Arla Foods
• Be updated on and disseminate state of the art literature relevant to your research

Beyond this we have a developing interest in understanding the surface chemistry of membranes. How they age, how this affects efficiency of cleaning and thus performance and product quality. 

Who are you?

This role would suit a recently graduated PhD or similar within the area of membrane chemical science with a particular competence within protein fractionation. Further, we would like a candidate who is willing to develop within membranes surface chemistry and the effects of cleaning on membrane function. Finally as well as a solid foundation in membrane fractionation processes and in-depth knowledge of dairy proteins, the position requires some knowledge within some of the following disciplines

• The relationship between membrane fractionation and protein quality & functionality
• Membrane surface analysis and characterisation
• The concept of scaling down unit operations to lab based instrumentation
• Fundamental knowledge of state-of-the-art techniques for characterisation and quantification of membrane surface chemical events on multiple length scales

Beyond scientific competence, to succeed in this role, the candidate will need to exhibit the following behaviours

• An exceptional appreciation for, and attitude towards safety

• A willingness to develop scientific skills in a commercial setting, which often means working with ambiguity, rapid prototyping and balancing quality with speed of delivery. 
• Actively seeking to understand of the needs and viewpoints of other R&D colleagues as well as the wider business.
• Effectively communicate value of own research to business peers

Further, the ideal candidate has an open mind and communication skills to get your opinion and ideas across, and it comes naturally to you to navigate within a matrix organisation, where building relations to colleagues is key. You thrive in an international team where diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of our team ethos.  Finally, you are a competent communicator with strong proficiency in English which is the language of choice at Arla Foods Ingredients R&D, and the ability to make your field accessible to non-specialists.

When and how to apply?

If you want to seize this exciting opportunity, please apply no later than 31st March. For additional information, please call Senior R&D Manager Colin Ray at +45 91317876.

We have a purpose for Good

At Arla, we strive to unlock the highest potential in each other while working together to create a sustainable future of dairy. We call it Stronger People Stronger Planet and it is deeply anchored in our organisation and founded on our commitment to respecting human rights, increasing access to healthy dairy nutrition, inspiring good food habits, and improving the environment for future generations. In order to succeed we need to hire people with a sustainable mindset. Could this be you?

BEWARE! RECRUITMENT FRAUD
It has come to our attention that there are a number of fraudulent emails and fake recruitment campaigns on the internet from people purporting to work for Arla Foods. Learn more via this link.

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